Memory Books

Memory Books

When I taught in the classroom, I always created end of the year memory books that held some of my favorite writing pieces, art projects, photos, and awards. They weren't anything fancy, usually a binder decorated by the students. Each year, I looked forward to the day our families came into the classroom and they were presented their child's memory book. The smiles, giggles, and tears while students shared their favorite memories made them worth the time. Students and parents were SO proud. 

When my own child started Kindergarten, I started collecting his work in a tote and hid it under the bed. By spring, the tote was overflowing with art projects, writing pieces, and awards. Keeping all of the projects was not an option, but neither was throwing them away. Every art project, writing sample, picture, award, was a proud moment of his Kindergarten year. I took my memory book too a new level utilizing Shutterfly and I highly recommend doing so! They turn out great and get easier every year! 

(Since starting these, I now add family photos/vacations/events to each book as well.) 

Tips for Memory Books

* Start right away! You are able to save your book as a draft and add to it at anytime.

* Scan all paper/writing pieces. (I bring the boys' to Office Max. Their scanner is better than mine.)

* Take photos of your child's art projects the day they bring them home! 

* Use the same background when taking pictures of art projects.

Ask Me! 

I have had many reach out and ask if I could make their books. The answer is YES! Please email me and we can discuss this option.  I charge per hour and if you are not local, you need to pay shipping and will then purchase your book at your convenience. Depending on the size of the book, it can take me up to 3 weeks to complete.

 

Click Below to View Books

 * Isaac Kindergarten

* Isaac First Grade

* Sam Kindergarten

 

LOOK - Letter and Word Recognition Game

My kids and I have always enjoyed playing the game Spot It. The game is fast and can be played in a variety of ways. I have always thought it would be great if the games included high frequency words and wondered if I could somehow add them to the cards. Anything is possible.  After a little thinking, I was able to create the cards exactly how I wanted. The words I used were from Jan Richardson’s Sight Word Chart for Monitoring Progress. There is a different game for each level of words. Below is a link to my Teacher Store and photos of how I organize my games. Check back soon as I will update the themes and get them on my Teacher store soon! Please note, the game I created is not associated with Spot It or its manufacturers. 

I printed my cards on cardstock, added labels to the back of them, and laminated them. The reason for the labels: We all know cards get lost and as teachers we tend to create more than one set. Each set is numbered so if a card is left out, you know where its home is. Labels are included in the downloadable document.  

The cute little storage cases I store the cards in, are the containers from electrical tape. My aunt and uncle, who is an electrician, saved them for me when I was in the classroom! I use them for everything!  See photo. I did a little searching though and found these on Oriental Trading’s website. They are inexpensive and would work the same way. You can get them HERE.

This game is great for indoor recess, centers, and could be a great make and take class for parents and students to bring home. As a reading teacher, I create the game, laminate it, and send it home for my students. Use how you wish!  Enjoy

                              Purchase HERE by visiting my TPT Store.